Red Flags

If you were looking for a new pastor, what “red flags” would you look for in hopes of avoiding a poor choice?

• Doesn’t play well with others?
• Binge drinks a couple times a year?
• Has PTSD from an accident?
• Married his ex-sister in law?

Part of my job involves doing “exec checks” on pastors interviewing to serve around here.  I contact my counterpart where those pastors are currently serving and ask about red flags.

As the pastoral candidate gets closer to being called to a church, there will be other checks: DMV, financial, criminal, theological, “fitness.”  But in the initial check I’m looking for immediate deal breakers.

Here’s what I usually ask:

• Are there any red flags?  (Seems like a good, basic opening.)
• Is this a happy person?  (I don’t care if a person has bad days or even depression.  But how is this person’s general disposition?)
• What does he/she do to serve beyond his/her local congregation? (Tells me if the pastor collaborates with others in the wider Church or in the community.)
• Is this person teachable?  (Knows-it-all-already pastors tend to be poor leaders for a 21st Century Church.)
• Is there anything else we need to know about this pastor?  (This would be a good time to tell me she’s got an unaddressed addiction or he burned down the manse.)

[Important note:  Someone is my position can’t truly be a “pastor to pastors”  if I also do “exec checks.” What if I have information shared during a pastoral moment, and I’m asked a question about that issue during an exec check? Boundary problem.]

My question, actually, is:  What Would You Consider a Red Flag for a Pastor? Does it depend on the context?  The pastor’s age?  The pastor’s marital status?  I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

What should I be asking during Exec Checks?  I’d love to hear your thoughts. What would you want to know about your future pastor?